AOK PAT labels

The requirements that address electrical safety include the labeling of any device that relies on electricity for its operation. The process of testing such devices, known as Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), includes an examination of its internal circuitry, any external cabling involved, and the environment in which the device operates. A display of the status of electrical equipment is in the form of labels that are affixed either to a device itself or to its power cables. These labels are referred to as PAT labels. AOK PAT labels are one example of such display labels.

AOK PAT labels are available in a variety of templates, according to the type of test involved. The factors that determine these types include the intended use of the electrical device, the sophistication of its circuitry, and the risk of hazard relevant to the device and its environment. These templates may be in the form of a pass mode, a fail mode, or a visual inspection with pass or fail results. There are also different types of templates that address the size of the device being tested as well as the accessibility of the parts to be tested.

Certain AOK PAT labels come in the form of a square or rectangular label that can be affixed directly to the chassis of an appliance or component. Examples of this application would be the housing of a computer component or a diagnostic machine in a hospital or automobile repair shop. AOK PAT labels may also be in the form of an adhesive-backed strip that can be wrapped around an individual cable, such as a main power lead from a refrigerator or a photocopying machine.

Other variations in AOK PAT labels include color coding. Standard use of test labels often includes the use of a red label to indicate a failed test, based on the general acceptance of this color as a warning sign. Green-colored labels are often used to indicate a passed test, based on the same acceptance of this color as a “go” sign. However, these choices are not mandatory, and other colors may be used according to the discretion of the owner of the electrical device or the inspecting entity. Consequently, blue labels may affixed to devices that require more frequent inspections and green labels may be used on devices that require less frequent inspections.

AOK PAT labels include other variations that address durability as well as the accessibility of the part of an electrical device being tested. In these instances, test labels may be made of a more durable material or may have an optional laminating feature for use in areas in which more handling will present the potential for the wearing away of the displayed information on the label.

Another available option in AOK PAT labels is the inclusion of barcodes on the label. This advancement in data storage and retrieval affords the ability to access the inspection history of an electrical device as well as a means of recording updated testing information in a more timely manner. Yet another option in AOK PAT labels are those types that are used to measure microwave emissions on appliances that utilize this type of technology.